Living in Hove

Hove has a reputation for its relaxed, neighbourly atmosphere and strong sense of local identity. Community groups, voluntary organisations, and residents’ associations are active, while annual events such as the Hove Carnival, Hove Arts Trail, and local makers’ markets bring people together throughout the year. The beachfront promenade, Hove Lawns and Hove Park are focal points for outdoor activity and socialising.

The area is known for its independent local businesses, regular farmers’ markets, and family-friendly fairs. Cultural events, live performances, and green initiatives are frequent, often hosted at venues like Hove Museum and Art Gallery or the King Alfred Leisure Centre. Access to green spaces, the beach, and community centres strengthens the inclusive spirit and connectivity among residents, making local life both lively and supportive.

Crime rates in Hove are generally considered lower than in neighbouring Brighton, with residents reporting a strong sense of community safety and visible policing, especially in residential and beachfront areas. The area benefits from neighbourhood policing initiatives and active local Neighbourhood Watch groups, contributing to a safer atmosphere.

Central Hove, particularly near the seafront and town centre, sees slightly more reported incidents related to nightlife and tourism, but these remain in line with similar urban environments. Regenerations and ongoing investment in public spaces have further improved the area's safety record. Families and retirees are particularly drawn to Hove’s quieter streets and well-maintained parks, which have a strong local reputation for safety and cleanliness.

Parking in Hove can be challenging in some of the more central and seafront areas, particularly during weekends and holiday seasons. Much of Hove is covered by resident permit parking zones, with permits available to local households and businesses. On-street parking is available but often in high demand; pay-and-display bays are scattered throughout the area, especially near commercial centres like Church Road and Western Road.

Hove is well served by main roads including the A259, running along the seafront, and is minutes from the A27, providing access across Sussex and to the M23 for routes north toward London. Road congestion can occur at peak times, particularly near the city border with Brighton and at major junctions leading onto the A23 and A27.

• Shoreham-by-Sea – approx. 15 minutes via A259 (8 miles)
• Brighton – approx. 5 minutes via A259 (2 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via A23/M23 (55 miles)
• Worthing – approx. 25 minutes via A259 (11 miles)

Hove’s food and drink scene is diverse and highly regarded locally, with a wide choice of independent eateries, cosy cafés, classic pubs, and contemporary bars. Popular restaurants such as The Ginger Pig and Market focus on seasonal, local produce, while Church Road offers a variety of global cuisines ranging from Italian to Japanese. There are many artisan coffee shops and bakeries dotted throughout the area, especially around George Street.

Traditional pubs such as The Connaught, The Wick Inn, and The Stoneham are favourites for relaxed socialising, each offering a unique character. For nightlife, Hove is more laid-back than Brighton, with a stronger focus on gastropubs, cocktails bars, and wine lounges rather than nightclubs. Live music is common at local venues, and the annual Hove Festival fosters a community arts atmosphere. The proximity to Brighton’s famous nightlife, theatres, and live gigs means residents can enjoy city energy without living amid its hustle.

School Quality: Hove has a range of high-performing primary and secondary schools with positive Ofsted results, making it a popular area for families.

Parks and Green Space: Large parks such as Hove Park, St. Ann’s Well Gardens, and direct access to the beachfront provide ample outdoor opportunities for children.

Childcare: Numerous nurseries, playgroups, and after-school clubs operate throughout the area, offering flexible childcare solutions for working parents.

Safety: The area is regarded for its residential safety, clean streets, and family-oriented neighbourhoods, supported by visible policing and community initiatives.

Family Activities: Hove offers various family-friendly attractions, including local museums, sports clubs, and seasonal festivals, plus easy access to Brighton’s larger attractions and events.

Hove provides a welcoming environment for pet owners, with many local parks such as Hove Park, St. Ann’s Well Gardens, and the extensive seafront promenade ideal for dog walking. The South Downs National Park is close by, offering more challenging walks and fresh air for active dogs and their owners.

Several independent veterinary clinics, pet shops, and grooming services are located throughout the area. Many of Hove’s pubs and cafés are explicitly dog-friendly, with treats and water bowls often available. Locally, there is a strong culture of responsible pet ownership and a high tolerance for pets in rental housing and public areas, making it well-suited to animal lovers.

Hove enjoys excellent transport links, making it attractive for commuters and those who travel frequently. Hove railway station sits on the West Coastway line, providing rapid access to neighbouring Brighton and direct services to London Victoria and London Blackfriars. Portslade and Aldrington stations are also within Hove, widening rail options. Brighton mainline station is a short bus or car journey, connecting to wider destinations.

Bus routes are comprehensive, with frequent services linking Hove with Brighton, Shoreham, and the wider Sussex area. The city’s extensive bus network is operated mainly by Brighton & Hove Buses, known for reliability and high frequency. The A259 coastal road and the A27 trunk road provide straightforward access by car to Eastbourne, Worthing, and beyond.

London Gatwick Airport, the nearest international hub, is around 30 minutes by train or 40 minutes by car, ideal for both business and holiday travel. The M23 and A23 link Hove directly to the motorway network.

• Brighton – 5 minutes by train or 15 minutes by bus/car
• London Victoria – from 1 hour by direct train
• Gatwick Airport – around 30 minutes by train
• Eastbourne – 40 minutes by car via A27
• Worthing – 25 minutes by train or car via A259

Primary Schools:
Hove is home to several well-regarded primary schools. Hove Junior School is notable for its large intake and community-driven ethos, while West Hove Infant School holds a reputation for strong teaching (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2017). Brunswick Primary School is another prominent choice, praised for its inclusivity and Ofsted-rated 'Good' status (2022). Goldstone Primary School is popular among local families, also receiving a 'Good' Ofsted rating (2018).

Secondary Schools:
Blatchington Mill School and Sixth Form College is a significant secondary provider, Ofsted-rated 'Good' (2022) and known for its broad curriculum. Hove Park School, on two campuses, offers a focus on technology and languages (Ofsted 'Good', 2017). Cardinal Newman Catholic School, the city's largest secondary, is consistently oversubscribed (Ofsted 'Good', 2018). The nearby Dorothy Stringer School is another sought-after institution with strong exam results (Ofsted 'Good', 2019).

Colleges and Independent Schools:
Sixth form and post-16 education options include BHASVIC (Brighton, Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College), highly respected for academic and creative courses. Independent options include Brighton & Hove High School (Girls' Day School Trust) and Montessori Place, providing specialist and alternative education.

Universities:
Although there are no universities within Hove itself, both the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex are located within easy reach, providing a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and drawing an international student population to the area.